Sweden Re:Designs the Future

Swedish design has long been recognised for combining functionality, simplicity, and sustainability. Today, that same mindset is helping organisations address some of society’s most pressing challenges.

This session explores how Swedish companies are using design thinking to turn sustainability commitments into action through products, materials, public spaces, and everyday experiences.

Bringing together perspectives from Bolon (Flooring), Green Furniture Concept (Soon to have a new name, it will have shifted to Circalle by September) and Ikea the discussion will highlight practical examples of how design can influence behaviour, extend product lifecycles, reduce environmental impact, and create long-term value.

Participants will gain insights into how thoughtful design can help shape more sustainable communities while balancing the needs of people, business, and the environment.

Session Learnings:

• Assess how design can be used as a strategic tool to advance sustainability goals within their organisations.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate circularity, longevity, resource efficiency, and Scandinavian simplicity earlier in the design and decision-making process.
• Consider how products, spaces, and services can be designed to better meet both environmental and human needs.
• Explore how design thinking can support behavioural change and encourage more sustainable choices.
• Apply practical insights from Swedish companies and design principles rooted in functionality and simplicity to create solutions that deliver long-term value for people, business, and society.

Post-Event Actions:

• Assess how design can be used as a strategic tool to advance sustainability goals within their organisations.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate circularity, longevity, and resource efficiency earlier in the design and decision-making process.
• Consider how products, spaces, and services can be designed to better meet both environmental and human needs.
• Explore how design thinking can support behavioural change and encourage more sustainable choices.
• Apply practical insights from Swedish companies to create solutions that deliver long-term value for people, business, and society.